The best evening gown moments at the MUPH 2025 preliminaries according to style experts
It's not the finals night yet but the candidates of the Miss Universe Philippines 2025 competition are already giving it their all for their evening gown looks.
During the preliminaries last April 28, the stunning beauty queens made sure to leave their mark with their signature walks, charisma, and confidence as they competed for the highly coveted crown.
While everyone shone in their own ways, a few candidates stood out and caught the eye of Filipino fashion experts through their elegant gowns. Here are some of them:
Winwyn Marquez, Muntinlupa
Muntinlupa's Winwyn Marquez was a clear winner in the eyes of fashion designer Monika Ravanera.
According to her, the custom Banggo Niu Manila gown with hand-beaded tassels crafted by Carlo Angelo Niu fits Marquez like a glove in an effortless manner, making her look taller and longer.
"I love the bling scheme—gray, black, silver, and gunmetal. The gown shone without blinding our eyes," Ravanera said.
She continued, "And the fringes had their own life, swaying left and right, adding plus points to Winwyn's powerful pasarela. Winner for me."
Eloisa Jauod, Laguna
Laguna's Eloisa Jauod also managed to capture Ravanera's heart with her glittering yellow gown, which was amplified by Jauod's strengths such as her refined pasarela and fluid projection.
"These qualities of her[s] made the gown stand out without the extra movements—the right formula of elegance and sexy. The color yellow is just right for her skin tone," Ravanera said, complimenting the gown's thigh-high slit that showed legs for days as well as the right amount of fringe on the arm.
"It's giving me a deconstructed version of [Miss Universe Philippines 2013] Ariela Arida's iconic yellow gown," she added.
Rechel Hoco, Oriental Mindoro
Rechel Hoco from Oriental Mindoro was another standout in a blue gown that had a head-turning veil.
Hoco shared that the ensemble made by Harvey Cenit was inspired by the elegance of the traditional Abaya, Indian saree, and the "diverse nationalities that call Dubai home," weaving tradition and modernity into one seamless story.
And the gown certainly passed Ravanera's criteria as she praised Hoco for being a "vision in blue."
"She dared to be different and it worked for her. The extra-long veil framed her face and made her stand out. Thanks to the long veil!" Ravanera said.
"The gown without the veil is still beautiful though. Edgy, modern, with the right amount of skin," she added.
Larsine Grace Jensen, Camiguin
Camiguin's Larsine Grace Jensen knew how to slay the runway when she walked in a vibrant fuchsia pink gown embellished with shimmering crystals.
Its most striking feature is the oversized bow-like design at the hips that transitions into an extended train. The look is completed with clear high heels and a sleek high ponytail, allowing the gown to take center stage.
Fashion stylist Gee Jocson praised it for being a show-stopping piece.
"I love the dramatic texture and effect of this gown. Elegant and sexy with a little bit of fun!" she said.
Zoe Honeyman, Quezon City
The gown of Quezon City bet Zoe Honeyman took inspiration from Hanan, the revered Goddess of Morning and one of Bathala’s cherished daughters.
According to her makeup artist Dexter Lopez, it strives to capture the "majestic beauty of dawn—the sacred moment when darkness gracefully yields to the first light of day."
"Mirroring the spirit of Hanan, Zoe’s gown symbolizes the timeless cycle of night and day, radiating hope, warmth, and prosperity to all who are touched by her luminous presence," he added.
This homage to culture, Jocson said, instantly made it to her top picks.
"To insert culture with long gowns is a hard thing to do. But this gown showed me that it's possible to mix culture and elegance! Beautifully executed," she highlighted.
Katrina Llegado, Taguig City
Taguig City's Katrina Llegado also wore evening wear that made her exceptional in the eyes of Jocson.
The gown is a dazzling, futuristic piece that commands attention with its intricate fan-like patterns meticulously outlined with reflective embellishments.
Jocson noted the design's resemblance to outfits worn during the Sinulog Festival.
"For me, this looks like the headpiece of a Sto. Niño from Sinulog mixed with [the] stained glass of a cathedral! Ganda! My favorite," she said.
